Early-Stage Mentoring
Applications for cohort #8 are now closed.
Expression of Interests for cohort #9 will open in early 2025.
Cohort #8 Promotional Flyer: Program Details
Cohort #8 Terms: Definitions | Terms & Conditions
If you require further information, please contact the ASTN at info@astn.com.au.
ASTN-GSIC Pre-Accelerator Program
The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN), in collaboration with the Global Sports Innovation Center (GSIC) powered by Microsoft, is proud to introduce "The Business of Sport" Pre-Accelerator Program. Recognising the gap in support for tech entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and practitioners who are in the early stages of their journey, ASTN has developed this program to address three critical areas that often receive limited attention during the initial phases of development:
- Customer Discovery
- Market and Competitor Analysis
- Business Model Development
Priority access funding partners:
Venture Capital Partners
Inaugural funding partner:
Key Dates
26 Aug 2024: Applications Open
22 Sep 2024: Applications Close 11pm
25 Sep 2024: Cohort Selection
Beginning of October to early December 2024: Program Delivery
Who Can Apply
This pre-accelerator program is open to startup founders, entrepreneurs with an athlete, practioners or research background or intrapreneurs of sports organisations or businesses who have a technology-based idea, consider establishing a business or develop a minimal viable product (MVP).
10 Weeks, 6 Modules and 20 Sessions:
- Commercialisation
- Translating R&D
- Validation of Ideas
- Organisational Ambitions
- Administrative Necessities
- Learn from the Best
Program Delivery
The program will be delivered online and combined group sessions with one-on-one meetings with a mentor. Each participant will have access to the Microsoft TEAMS platform for mentor interaction, content and program delivery as well as for an additional period after program completion.
Program Structure
The program will be a 10-week cohort-based educational program consisting of six (6) modules. Two sessions will be conducted each week for a total of 20 sessions plus an optional office hour each week. A core focus of the program will be to support startup entrepreneurs to validate their sportstech business idea against competitors, vendors and VCs whilst intrapreneurs gain insights on how to embed such innovation practices into their organisation.
Testimonials of Participants
"I recently completed an MBA and this program was superior to the entrepreneurial unit."
"The program was very organised. Especially it was very challenging to keep the participants engaging through an online platform - but the organisers did that very well. Also the best part - everyone was very helpful and easily accessible."
"Thank you very much. Today's session was invaluable to me. I saw the comment, and I'll use that in my client presentation."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the program. There were members from all different levels, and I am sure everyone got value. I will recommend to anyone looking to start in the tech field and sport."
"Thanks for today - was great info about testing - will be very helpful!"
"The online delivery was very convenient and overall it was a very well-organised program with a good variety of guests and well-sequenced and organised topics."
"The openness and access to the founders and guest speakers for offline conversations, advice, introductions, and guidance was incredible."
“My colleagues and I have already recommended the ASTN to other startup connections.“
“Every single session has delivered enormous value. It is particularly powerful hearing from people doing it for real (rather than professional educators)."
Feedback from our guests
“It is always a great pleasure to be part of the program – looking forward to supporting you in the future again."
GSIC Guest Mentor from Microsoft
"Delighted to contribute to the ASTN-GSIC and support aspiring entrepreneurs."
Content Delivery Partner
"Great discussion with founders – interesting startups.“
Partner at VC Firm – Guest at Fireside Chat
"Glad to help and contribute. Happy to take a call from any of the attendees."
CEO & Founder – Learn-form-the-Best Panellist
Delivery Partners
